Splashes of greenery contrast the famous fiery red rock that makes up Arches National Park, creating one of the most sought-after destination spots for hikers, photographers, and more. Over 2,000 natural stone arches can be found within the park's 76,519 acres. Plan a stay at one of our Arches National Park vacation rentals and capture memories with loved ones while exploring the sheer beauty of this well-preserved land.

Where is Arches National Park?

Where else do you find incredible high desert landscape but in Southern Utah? Located just five miles north of colorful Moab and 13 miles from lovely Spanish Valley, Arches National Park is a must-see. It's easy to spend all your time exploring the seasonal wildflowers, catching iconic sights like Delicate Arch, and spotting local wildlife such as jackrabbits and golden eagles. Our Arches National Park lodging, much of it based in Moab and the surrounding area, is the perfect home base for exploring this natural wonder.

Photographing Arches National Park

Arches National Park is a photographer's dream. Capturing that perfect shot may take a lot of patience, but knowing when the lighting will be just right can make your life a whole lot easier. Some of the best spots for early-morning shots include The Three Gossips, Sheep Rock, The Great Wall, and Cache Valley, while places like Balanced Rock, Tower Arch, and Skyline Arch are better when captured in the late afternoon. But even if you aren't exactly a seasoned photographer, with the absolutely breathtaking backdrop The Arches provide, every picture will be worth a thousand words.

Things to Do in Arches National Park

Don't forget to put the camera down and simply relish in your time spent among some of the most beautiful and serene spots in all of Utah. Make memories with fellow travelers hiking, rock climbing, or even taking a calming scenic drive along the 18 miles of paved roads that lead past every major viewpoint and trailhead.

With 13 well-marked hiking trails, you'll be able to travel from your convenient vacation rental to your ideal trail in no time. Some of the popular easy hikes include Balanced Rock, which is a quarter-mile loop, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, which is a half-mile steep climb to a viewpoint of the arch, and Broken Arch Loop, a two-mile loop through sand dunes and across a large meadow.

Seasoned hikers will likely want to take on Tower Arch, a three-and-a-half-mile trail that cuts across the valley and up and over sand dunes. Or you might make it all the way to Delicate Arch, which can take over two hours and includes traverses across slick rocks and a narrow ledge. Don't let that scare you, though: the view at the end is well worth the extra effort.

Planning a Visit to Arches National Park

Making the most of your time inside the park is key to not only keeping all ages entertained but to ensure you have everything you'll need. If you only have a few hours, take the scenic drive and stop off at some of the viewpoints. If time allows for an entire day or more, find those hiking trails that suit the entire group and embark on a memorable journey, weaving in and around juniper trees and red sandstone.

Be aware that entrance costs range from $10 for an individual (good for seven days) to $80 for an annual National Park pass, which gets you into all National Parks. If you don't already have an annual pass, the $10 seven-day pass may be your best option.

When you venture to Arches National Park from one of our convenient vacation rentals, be sure to pack plenty of water, strap on your hiking boots, and prepare yourself for an adventure of a lifetime.